No regrets, no space for errors, and no time to catch one's breath, that's the attitude Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona are taking into this Wednesday's meeting at the Metropolitano, with whatever remains of the season teetering on a thread. On one hand, a side that ran out of gas at the worst possible time. On the other, a machine on the back of a 20-match unbeaten streak. The 2024/25 Copa del Rey semifinal couldn’t arrive under more contrasting, and unpredictable, circumstances.
Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).
Atlético de Madrid and the weight of urgency
If Atlético de Madrid ever had a Plan B for 2025, it's already become Plan A. Out of the Champions League, slipping away from the La Liga title race, and under pressure after a string of disappointing results, Diego Simeone's squad sees the Copa del Rey as their last realistic shot at lifting a trophy this season. And when that's the backdrop, every game feels like a final. The thrilling 4–4 draw in the first leg left the tie wide open, but also exposed the defensive weaknesses of Los Colchoneros, something that could cost them dearly against a team like Barcelona. The Argentine coach, however, isn’t changing his ways: “Against Barcelona, we have to play with joy, with enthusiasm, just like we did on our first day with Málaga. I’m clearly not going to change that.”
In practice, it is delicate. The latest outings were the setbacks against Getafe and Barça and an infuriating draw against Espanyol. Nine matches to go in the league and it looks impossible for them to cut the gap down to nine points between them and the Catalans. So, yes, Wednesday's match is everything -not mathematically, but by energy, atmosphere, and hope.
Barcelona unbeaten, but not untouchable
On the other side, Barça arrive confident, sharp, and in rhythm. It’s been 20 games since they last lost. They’ve already clinched a Champions League spot, reclaimed the top of the La Liga table with authority, and smashed Girona 4–1 over the weekend to send a message. Hansi Flick has shaped the squad and brought balance, even without key players like Ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, and Casadó.
The German coach knows what this semifinal means and treats it accordingly: “I think it’s a different kind of game, like a final before the final, and I think I’ll reach the final.”
Optimism? Maybe. But it also reflects the belief of someone who’s seen his team grow with each match. Flick adds: “We want to reach the final, but it won’t be easy. They have a fantastic coach, they know what they’re playing for, and they’re fully committed.”
With Dani Olmo out, there’s still a question mark in midfield, but the coach says no decision has been made yet: “We have several options and I trust all our players, so you know: we’ll see.”
Recent history
The numbers this season speak loud and clear. In three Barça vs Atleti matchups, there’ve been 17 goals, more than five per game. And every single one featured dramatic comebacks. Atlético took a 2–1 win at the Estadi Olímpic way back in December. Next, of course, came the insane 4–4 draw of the first leg of the Copa semifinal. Finally, in their most recent outing at the Metropolitano, Barcelona overturned a 2–0 deficit into an overwhelming 4–2 triumph courtesy of goals by Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. That uncertain script just introduces more drama into their fourth and most pivotal match of the season. As Simeone summarized:
"There'll be different moments. The opponent will have a lot of possession… I don't think there'll be many changes from either side, each will try to take the game to the place they feel most comfortable." He knows the game plan must be flawless. One slip could be fatal.
Flick, meanwhile, expects an intense battle: “They always play aggressively and with intensity, nothing changes. That’s their style. I love them. They play with speed, rhythm… I love their playing style.” The respect is real, but it’s not fear. And that balance might play a role emotionally when the stakes are this high.